Prominent Nigerians, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his predecessor, Muhammadu Bujhari, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, Wednesday eulogised the gallantry of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed on Tuesday in Lagos after a period of illness.
Aged 56, the deceased military chief was appointed some 16 months ago, precisely 19, June 2023.
The presidency, in a terse statement, announced the death of the army chief.
The statement, signed by the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, said Lagbaja, who had been indisposed for about a month, “passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.
“President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation,” he said.
There were speculations a couple of weeks back that the army chief had passed on, but this was dismissed by the Defence Headquarters which said Lagbaja was on leave.
And just as the dust over the confusion was yet to settle down, President Tinubu announced Major General Olufemi Oluyede as acting chief of army staff, who was later promoted Lieutenant-General, the same rank Lagbaja had.
This fuelled speculation that the coast was already clear that Oluyede would be stepping in as Lagbaja’s successor in substantive capacity.
…Flags flown at half-mast
In line with tradition, President Tinubu has ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the late military chief.
Disclosing this in a statement, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of Federation (OSGF), Segun Imohiosen, said President Tinubu has “directed that national flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country for seven days in honour of the departed army chief.”
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Born on 28 February 1968 in Ilobu, Osun state, General Lagbaja was appointed COAS on 19, June 2023, by President Tinubu to succeed Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya.
Lagbaja spent his early life in Osogbo where he attended the popular St Charles Grammar School and Local Authority Teachers College.
His distinguished military career began when he was admitted into the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy in the year 1987 as a member of the 39th Regular Course.
He was commissioned as a second lieutenant on 19 September 1992 into the Nigerian Infantry Corps. Between 1992 and 1995, Lagbaja was platoon commander of the 93 Battalion. From 1995 to 2001, he was platoon commander of 72 Special Forces Battalion.
In 2001, Lagbaja obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from the Nigerian Defence Academy, and also studied Strategic Studies at the US Army War College at the Master’s level.
He was an instructor at the Nigerian Defence Academy from 2001 to 2004, and also at a time, a Grade 2 Staff Officer in charge of peacekeeping at the Army Headquarters Department of Army Training and Operations, and much later as a Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji from 2006 to 2009.
In 2009, he became Deputy Chief of Staff G1 at the Headquarters of 81 Division and subsequently, he became Commanding Officer at 72 Special Forces Battalion Makurdi from 2012 to 2013 and 2014 to 2015.
In 2016, he was named the Chief of Staff at Headquarters 8 Task Force Division, Monguno, and later served as Director of Operations at the Army Headquarters, Department of Army Training and Operations, from January to December 2018.
He was a Commander of Headquarters 9 Brigade, Ikeja, Lagos state and Headquarters 2 Brigade, Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.
Before his new appointment as COAS , Lagbaja was General Officer Commanding Headquarters 82 Division from March 2021 to August 2022 and Headquarters 1 Division from August 2022 to June 2023.
He had earlier in 2008, attended the Military Observers Course on Peacekeeping Wing at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry Jaji (February – May 2008) and ECOWAS Standby Force Battalion Command Post Course – Peacekeeping Centre, Bamako, Mali – (June – August 2010).
Married to Mariya Abiodun-Lagbaja, their relationship was blessed with two children.
…Buhari extols virtues
In a reaction, former President Buhari expressed sadness over the death of Lagbaja, describing him as a patriot and an outstanding officer who served the nation with utmost diligence.
In a statement signed by his media aide, Malam Garba Shehu, the former president said he was deeply shocked by the news of his death, adding that the nation had lost one of its finest soldiers.
“When I was the Commander-in-Chief, Lagbaja, as one of the commanders of army, caught my attention as one of the bravest officers who served the nation with utmost devotion.
“In the various frontlines of internal security operations, including Operation Zaki in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in South-east Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States, General Lagbaja left no one in doubt about his military capabilities.
“He left his indelible footprints as a professional soldier and inspiring commander wherever he served.
“I pray to the Almighty to repose of his soul and reward his courageous services to the Nigerian Army and the nation,” he said.
The former president extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, the Nigerian Army, President Tinubu, and the government and the entire people of the country.
…He was courageous, says CDS Musa
Similarly, the CDS, General Musa, described the late COAS as courageous, dedicated and loyal to Nigeria.
According to a statement by Director Defence Information Brig.-Gen Tukur Gusau, General Musa said Lagbaja’s unflinching commitment to the security and well-being of the nation were unparalleled.
“Therefore, his passing is a tremendous loss, not only to his family, the Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) but also to the entire nation and humanity,” he said.
According to him, “Lagbaja’s legacy of exceptional service and loyalty leaves an indelible mark on the Nigerian Army, the AFN and the national defence security landscape.”
Musa said Lagbaja demonstrated exemplary leadership, spearheading the establishment of the Nigerian Army Aviation Wing and playing instrumental roles in multiple security operations across the country.
His contributions to operations such as FOREST SANITY in Kaduna and the Niger States, LAFIYA DOLE, ZAMAN LAFIYA and HADIN KAI in Borno, ZAKI in Benue, and UDOKA in the Southeast, amongst others, reflect his relentless dedication to ensuring a safer and more secure Nigeria.
General Musa prayed Almighty God to grant strength and comfort to his wife, Mrs. Maria Lagbaja and his family, during this period of immense grief.
He emphasised that the AFN and the nation will deeply feel the void left by his invaluable service, especially in these critical times of addressing national security challenges.
Recalling Lagbaja’s 16-month tenure as COAS, General Musa acknowledged his sterling performance, courage and steadfast commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“His enduring dedication and achievements will forever be remembered in the annals of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the nation at large,” he said.
…He was a fine officer -Akpabio
In his own reaction, Senate President Akpabio eulogised the late service chief as a fine officer who gave his all for the territorial security and unity of the country.
Akpabio said he received the news of the death of the late military chief with shock, few days after he had spoken with the president and was upbeat about his return to office.
A statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, quoted Akpabio as saying, “I received the news of the death of the late Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, with shock. His death, coming at a time the country needed his wealth of experience in tackling and bringing to an end insecurity in some parts of the country, is a huge loss to the country and the security community.
“He was a fine, committed and dedicated officer, who served the country with all his might, even at the risk of paying the supreme price.
“On behalf of my family, the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District and the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I commiserate with the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCON, the military community, the larger Lagbaja family on this great loss.
“I pray that Almighty Allah, grant his wife, children, colleagues and those who knew him, the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss and also grant the soul of the departed gallant officer Aljanah firdaus.”
…NGF mourns
Also in a condolence message, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) said: “We send our profound condolences to Mr. President, the Nigerian military establishment, and the family on the sad loss of this great patriot.”
In a statement by the NGF chairman and governor of Kwara state, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the governors said: “Our hearts are especially with the family and the Nigerian Army at this difficult moment. We are comforted by the unforgettable memories of his unblemished services to our country. Even in death, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja stands honoured for his bravery and dedication to a greater, united Nigeria.
“We ask Almighty God to forgive his shortcomings, admit him to al-jannah Firdaus, and give his family the strength to get through this tough phase of life.”
…Northen govs too
Similarly, in a heartfelt tribute, the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) described the later army chief as a respected military leader.
In a statement by the NSGF chairman and governor of Gombe state, the northern governors condoled with the family, President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Governor Yahaya described Lagbaja as a patriot whose military service was marked by unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s sovereignty, especially amid ongoing security challenges posed by insurgency, banditry, and other criminal threats.
“General Lagbaja’s life and career were defined by a steadfast commitment to the Nigerian Armed Forces and a remarkable dedication to safeguarding the nation,” the statement added.
“The late COAS, known for his discipline, bravery, and integrity, was a pillar in fortifying Nigeria’s defense framework, noted Governor Yahaya, adding that Lagbaja’s leadership embodied the values of honor and courage central to military service.
“On behalf of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Governor Yahaya offered his sympathies to the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, as well as to the family, colleagues, and friends of the late army chief,” he said.
The NSGF also commiserated with Lagbaja’s widow, Mariya Lagbaja, a native of Tula in Kaltungo local government area of Gombe state, and the people of Osun state, where the deceased hailed from, urging them to find solace in his legacy of service.
He prayed for the repose of his soul.